Music, Poetry, and Rhythm

With basic nursery rhymes, poetry is perhaps one of the first types of writing that many toddlers encounter. Yet as they begin to explore reading on their own, they will be introduced to forms of poetry that are more complex for them in terms of content, style and rhythm.

Some children will take to this new form of writing with great ease and enjoy it. Others may find it more pensive and laborious. And yet, finding poetry that is appealing to your tot is important from both a creative point of view and from the point of view of trying to teach your little one more complex language.

If you find that your child is having a hard time coming to terms with poetry, try relating it back to the rhythms and lyrics of the music that they enjoy. Most children's music comes in a form of simple melodies combined with memorable lyrics that rhyme.

Once your child finds a song that he or she likes and gravitates to, try writing the lyrics down and having him or her read it as poetry. Read it with your preschooler, keeping in mind the beat, how it flows and how the words merge together.

You may also want your child to write down his or her own very basic lyrics to the song that match the rhyme and meter or the original lyrics. You can have tons of fun with your little one as you try to find words that rhyme and come up with alternate versions of your favourite children's songs.

Both music and poetry can be invaluable in helping to educate your toddler in ways of language, poetry and art. Be sure to not let any of these art forms intimidate you in teaching your child at this very important stage in their life.

By Chris Giardino